Photon Counting Detector Dual-Layer Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photon counting detectors face challenges in compensating deviations from expected counts due to material instability, requiring effective corrective measures that balance complexity and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A photon counting detector system comprising a low-absorption direct conversion layer and a high-absorption direct conversion layer, with processing circuitry to correct errors in the count signals, using the low-absorption layer as a reference to stabilize the high-absorption layer's readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single high-absorption direct conversion material is used, then the detection efficiency is improved, but the material stability and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into two separate direct conversion layers: a first layer with low-absorption material and a second layer with high-absorption material. Each layer independently converts incident radiation into electrical signals, allowing the system to benefit from both high detection efficiency (second layer) and high stability (first layer) without compromising either property.
2Measurement precision
If correction methods are applied to compensate for count deviations, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first direct conversion layer serves as an internal reference that automatically compensates for fluctuations in the incident radiation flux. By comparing the count rates from both layers, the system self-corrects measurement errors without requiring external correction devices or complex post-processing algorithms, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while minimizing system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively compensates for deviations in count signals, improving measurement accuracy and stability by using the low-absorption layer to correct errors in the high-absorption layer, providing energy-resolved information and reducing complexity in the correction process.
Implementation Method 1
a first direct conversion layer comprising a low-absorption direct conversion material for converting impinging high-energy electromagnetic radiation into a first count signal
Implementation Method 2
a second direct conversion layer comprising a high-absorption direct conversion material for converting impinging high-energy electromagnetic radiation into a second count signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a photon counting detector comprising a first direct conversion layer (10) comprising a low-absorption direct conversion material (11) for converting impinging high-energy electromagnetic radiation (100) into a first count signal and first electrical contacts (12), a second direct conversion layer (20) comprising a high-absorption direct conversion material (21) for converting impinging high-energy electromagnetic radiation (100) into a second count signal and second electrical contacts (22), said high-absorption direct conversion material having a higher absorption than said low-absorption direct conversion material, and a carrier layer (30, 30a, 30b) comprising first and second terminals (31, 32) in contact with the first and second electrical contacts and processing circuitry (35) configured to correct, based on the first count signal, the second count signal for errors, wherein said first direct conversion layer and the second direct conversion layer are arranged such that the high-energy electromagnetic radiation transmits the first direct conversion layer before it hits the second direct conversion layer.